When it comes to baked delights, cupcakes hold a special place in my family’s hearts. Their single-serving size, fluffy texture, and endless flavor possibilities make them the perfect treat for any occasion. Today, we’re diving into a simple but delicious recipe that combines the rich warmth of brown sugar with the delicate crumb of a classic cupcake. If you are looking for a sweet indulgence you have to try this Brown Sugar Cupcake recipe.
When it comes to baking, every ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. One often-overlooked ingredient that can elevate your cupcakes to new heights is organic brown sugar.
Why Brown Sugar?
- Depth of Flavor: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to cupcakes that white sugar simply can’t replicate. Its molasses content contributes a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste experience, creating cupcakes that are complex and indulgent.
- Moisture Retention: Brown sugar contains more moisture than white sugar due to its molasses content. This extra moisture helps keep cupcakes moist and tender, preventing them from drying out too quickly. As a result, you’ll enjoy cupcakes that stay fresh and delicious for longer.
- Soft Texture: The molasses in brown sugar not only adds moisture but also helps create a softer texture in cupcakes. This softness translates to a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth with every bite, making each cupcake a heavenly treat.
- Natural Color: The natural color of brown sugar gives cupcakes a beautiful golden hue, adding visual appeal to your baked goods. This subtle caramel coloring adds warmth and richness to your cupcakes, making them look as delightful as they taste.
My family’s sugar of choice is Florida Crystals®, free from synthetic pesticides, which is a big deal.
I appreciate that Florida Crystals® sources their sugarcane from family-owned farms right here in the U.S. It feels good to support local farmers and know exactly where our ingredients are coming from. And you know what’s even better? It’s all at a price that just feels right.
Grab a package of Florida Crystals® Regenerative Organic Certified® sugar here – your new baking bestie.
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of using brown sugar in cupcakes, let’s dive into a delicious recipe that showcases its magic.
Brown Sugar Cupcakes
Ingredients for the Cupcakes
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Florida Crystals® Regenerative Organic Certified® Light Brown Sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk, room temperature
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups Florida Crystals® Regenerative Organic Certified® Powdered Sugar
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until the batter is uniform and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Fill each liner about 3/4 full with the cupcake batter.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until well combined and smooth.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, generously frost each one with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or spatula.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some brown sugar on top of the frosted cupcakes for added sweetness and texture.
Now’s the Time to Enjoy Every Bite
These Brown Sugar Cupcakes are a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a cozy indulgence, these cupcakes are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, gather the ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure bliss.
Happy Baking!
For more cupcake deliciousness check out our Nutella S’mores Cupcake Recipe here!
Brown Sugar Cupcakes
These simple brown sugar cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and comforting. Topped with cream cheese frosting, they're rich and decadent -- a favorite in our house!
Ingredients
- For the Brown Sugar Cupcakes:
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Florida Crystals brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk, room temperature
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups Florida Crystals powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and vegetable oil.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Mix until the batter is uniform and smooth (do not over-mix).
- Fill baking cups about 3/4 full and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, transfer cupcakes to a wire rack, and allow to cool.
- Mix the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla with an electric mixer until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar until well combined.
- Top cooled cupcakes with frosting, and top with salted caramel drizzle, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 443Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 321mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 0gSugar: 45gProtein: 4g
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